Cabrera pushes for bicycle lanes

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Nida Cabrera has recommended the creation of bicycle lanes in the city’s major road networks.

Cabrera suggested having these lanes piloted from Plaza Independencia to Mabolo then Barangay Busay.

“There is a need to start the process of coming up with bicycle lanes in Cebu City streets in preparation for a future legislation designating bike lanes around the city and providing incentives for bikers,” Cabrera said in her proposed resolution yesterday.

Cabrera’s proposal received favorable action from her colleagues in the council. The proposal was referred to the City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) for feasibility study.

Cabrera recommended that the Sergio Osmeña Avenue formerly McArthur Boulevard going to Juan Luna Avenue now Pope John Paul II Avenue to Salinas Drive and the road going uphill to Busay should be made as pilot area for the proposed bicycle lane.

Mayor Michael Rama, in a separate interview, said he supports the move but it should be carefully studied by the traffic authorities.

Designating bicycle lanes will reduce the space for vehicles. Some traffic enforcers reacted yesterday that it may not be feasible in Pope John Paul II Avenue and Salinas Drive because the road is narrow.

The personnel manning the communications center of CITOM said they have observed that the Pope John Paul II Avenue and Salinas Drive, the stretch from Mabolo to JY Square, is usually congested during peak hours.

Cabrera explained that a study made by the Florida Department of Transportation reveals that bike lanes help define road space, decreases the stress level of cyclist riding their units and most of all, it will encourage the public to ride bicycles.

“Our constitution mandates that the state shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,” Cabrera added.

But PUJ driver Rodolfo Cabrera is against the proposal saying it will affect the flow of vehicle traffic.  (FREEMAN)